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Nos. 17 and 29. —Petitions of J. J. Meikle, of Wellington, and J. A. L. Meikle and 9 Others. Petitioners pray that recommendations of previous Committees on the Meikle case be given effect to. I am directed to report, in accordance with the ruling of Mr. Speaker, that these petitions are contrary to the Standing Orders: therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th August, 1905.

No. I.—Petition of Richmond Beetham, of Masterton. Petitioner prays for a pension in lieu of compensation for loss of office as Stipendiary Magistrate. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the Government deal with Mr. Beetham's case on similar lines to those proposed in the case of Mr. Mueller, as the two cases are practically identical; and the Committee would recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 18th August, 1905.

No. 119.—Petition of William Garrick, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance on account of wounds received during the Maori war. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th August, 1905.

No. 166. —Petition of Charity W. Gauntlet, of New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for compassionate allowance for the death of her husband, late of the Torpedo Corps. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 25th August, 1905.

No. 146.—Petition of Caroline Guthrie, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for redress re lapsed policy in Government Life Assurance Department on life of G. H. Guthrie (deceased). I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 25th August, 1905.

No. 147.—Petition of Charley Hing and 40 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray for the suppression of gambling amongst the Chinese. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 222. —Petition of Martha Kulling, of Masterton. Petitioner prays that £126, in the hands of the Public Trustee, from the estate of Fred Kulling (deceased), be handed to her. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 197. —Petition of H. Long and 144 Others, of Whangarei. Petitioners pray for suspension of " The Counties Act, 1886." I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905..

No. 203.—Petition of C. H. Irvine and 49 Others, of Whangape. Petitioners pray for road access to sections in Whangape Survey District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th August, 1905.

No. 256.—Petition of John Howley, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for relief re his retirement from the Police Force. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th August, 1905.